Getting Organized

Now anyone who knows me also knows that I'm a very disorganized person in my personal life :) Now this is not something to brag about but I really don't like order... Anyways I am making a serious effort to change things now and I'm making small small changes to achieve order in my usually chaotic world!!! (Boy my brother would love this - especially since his field of study is Chaos Theory!!!)

Now of late I have realized that I'm responsible for everything related to Finance at home. My mum used to handle it before but slowly slowly I have taken over this. It was so slowly done that I didn't even realize it till Jan this year!!! 

The first thing I did when the realization dawned was make a list of all my monthly bills. For example:

1. Telephone bills  - Due date
2. Electricity - Due date
3. Phone bill - Due date
4. Credit Cards - Due date
5. Mortgage Payments - Due date

Plus a list of yearly dues like City Rates, Lease Rates

I marked it as a task on my blackberry with a monthly reminder. 

The second thing that I did was buy some folders. I filed all the monthly statements in individual folders. Each folder cost me $1.00. 

Plus I keep one folder for current month. All bills go into this folder and as the payments done I put it into the respective folder.

So far so good. This has made my work very very simple. And all I had to do was make a list and set a reminder in case the statement is delayed and purchase some folders for easy filing. The folders cost me $10 but now everything is very organized. I prefer folders but others may prefer boxes for storage. 

All statements over a year old, i just bring it to work for shredding as it contains very vital information and I can't dispose it off without thinking twice.

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Home Composting

My home composter was installed when I went home yesterday. Gosh - I was soo excited!!!

I bought the composter on Friday and LCC (Lautoka City Council) installed it yesterday. I'm so looking forward to using it now : ) Here are some pictures:

Now this composter has been supplied by LCC for $30. It usually retails for $55 but the City rate payers received a big discount. 


Some things to note are:

• Only one per rate payer
• Cyclone proof
• Controlled composting
• Installation - done by LCC
• Capacity - 200L

We were already composting but it was usually where we dig a hole and we put all our kitchen waste in it and then cover it - great way to return to the environment. Also we would use the dry waste (peelings) as mulch. But I just loved the idea of having a proper compost bin that I simply had to have this. 

Now some may consider this a waste of money but I look at it as a proactive role towards waste minimization. For one thing I had this bin installed in front of our house next to the driveway. Its not hidden at the back but is visible to anyone. Next, this is where our serious gardening takes place. We are forever working in the gardens and there is always grass and leaves available. Also its closer to the kitchen and therefore easy access for everyone. Last but not the least - its CUTE!!!

I must commend LCC (Lautoka City Council) for the great job they have done promoting environment. About 2 weeks ago I attended a Community Meeting initiated by LCC to promote the 3R's plus Composting. This is a big big step for a small island nation of Fiji. LCC have been promoting this and I for one will do my part.

They have booklets on how to use the bins to everyone who bought the bin.

The booklet gives step by step instructions in very simple plain English. This bin is great for households and schools. And it makes great compost. 

LCC have also advised that I can get free shredded chips that I can use for mulching - FOC. Now thats great help. Thanks LCC!!!

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Girls Guide to Changing Breaklight Bulb

There are some things that a girl needs to know especially if she drives a lot. These things include changing tyres, checking battery water, topping radiator and changing breaklight bulbs.

In Fiji, it’s a crime to drive around with faulty lights and nowadays LTA (Land Transport Authority) officials are on the roads at all times. Now don’t ask me what they do coz I just might give my opinion on that!!! Anyway coming back to the original intent of the blog – changing breaklights!!!

I had to change the bulb for my car and as usual I turned to my favorite friend for help. I always turn to Google as I can find a lot of data on the net nowadays and I would say that google is the working girls best friend but surprisingly there weren’t anything remotely resembling what I was looking for : ).  Anyway I persevered and I’m putting this article out for any desperate damsels who may need it.

Steps:

Confirm the exact location of the light whose bulb needs changing. Note down the brand and make of model of the vehicle.

Purchase one. I like to keep spares for those occasions where I’m not near any shop. Any shop selling automotive parts will stock this item. Usually it can be found in service stations as well.

 Open the trunk and remove the screws of the rear lights. You’ll need to remove the lights in order to get to the bulb.

Gently remove the light from the vehicle.

 Replace the bulb

 Confirm the bulb is ok by pressing on the brake

Put everything back and screw it back.

Ensure that everything is in its right place and fully secured.

Tips:

• 1.       Try to keep spare bulbs. Each costs about FJD$1. I keep 2
• 2.     Keep a set of tools in the car. I keep a set of spanners, screw drivers (star and flat), a set of allen keys.
• 3.       Keep a small torch for emergencies
• 4.       Store a couple of rags
• 5.       Always keep some water in the car.

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Garden of the Sleeping Giant

I have always wanted to visit these gardens coz they have all sorts of flowers and of course they have water lillies. So on Sunday I decided that I'll just go for a quick visit. 


And guess what: I got lost while looking for directions :) Extremely disappointing of course and a humbling experience. 


I looked for directions and now I'm planning the visit with great care :) Though right now don't know when I'll actually get to go... but one thing is for sure - I'll be taking alot of pictures!!!

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Weekend Activity

Sunday: 13th Feb 2011


Visit to Nadi Temple.

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Some Goals for this Year

I'm approaching 2011 in a different way. It has been apparent that I have given all my time to my work but this year I'm adamant that I'll change from this year onwards.I hope I can stick to this resolution.

Feb activities :
To Date:

1. A day trip to Suva
2. A day trip to Natadola (we almost made it to Natadola but had to return from 3/4 way due to very heavy rain.) 

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